The Canadians defeated Costa Rica 25-22, 18-25, 25-16, 13-25, 15-13 in match that lasted one hour and 51 minutes. With the win, Canada remains in contention for a fifth place finish. It also keeps its hopes alive to qualify next year’s FIVB Grand Prix. Just two days ago, the Canadians upset Cuba in five to conclude the round robin portion of the tournament.

“We felt a sense of urgency and some desperation, because we felt scared to lose in the fourth set, but capitalized point by point in the end,’’ said Canadian team captain Brittney Page of Vernon, B.C.

As was the case against Cuba, the Pavan sisters from Kitchener, Ont., were the big point producers for the victors. Sarah Pavan led all players with 18 points while Rebecca Pavan added 11. Kelci French of Okotoks, Alta., followed with eight which included four services aces.

For Canada’s coach Arnd Ludwig the result was good but not the way the team played. “The result was a good thing but I am not happy the way we played. We committed 33 unforced errors,” he stated.

Marie-Pier Murray-Méthot of Quebec City agreed: ‘’we had our ups and downs,’’ she said. ‘’We lacked aggression at points in the match and that’s why it went five sets.’’

Canada will now face the loser of one of the two quarterfinals held later Wednesday between Cuba-Argentina and Peru-DominicanRepublic.

Canadian team for the Pan Am Cup women’s volleyball tournament July 12-20, 2012 in Ciudad, Mexico: